Lions made Sedgley Park fight every inch of the way to claim the 2^nd Division crown.  They held their illustrious opponents for 40 minutes, but a disastrous 10 minutes either side of half time saw Park score 4 tries without reply.  In a thoroughly entertaining second half, Lions never allowed Park to settle, and scored some excellent tries themselves. 

Lions welcomed Pete Roberts back at centre, and Lee Crofts into the back row, with Ben Smith moving to lock to partner Steve Stewart. 

Park had all the early possession, but resolute Lions’ defence kept them at bay.  A thumping Phil Reed tackle halted a promising Park move with men spare outside.  When Lions did gain possession, a lovely move in the backs saw Phil Reed and Alan Mitchell enter the line, but they just failed to release Matt Richards. 

The game’s first penalty was awarded to Park on 12 minutes, but Ryno Ueckermann pulled his 35 metres kick wide. 

More exceptional tackling halted Park following a strong break by flanker Richard Senior, and a turnover and penalty allowed Lions to clear.   

Lions almost created openings with more enterprising play in the backs.  An inside pass from a Jon Boden break did not go to hand, then a perfectly weighted pass from Terry Rahui almost had Phil Reed through the gap. 

However, it was Park who got the first breakthrough on 20 minutes, when a decoy runner disrupted Lions’ defensive line, and then slick handling saw Ross Bullough cross wide out.  Ryno Ueckermann’s touchline conversion was wide.  ( 0 – 5 ) 

Lions were making little headway against a strong Park defence, and a long range drop goal attempt by Phil Reed was woefully wide.  Ben Smith damaged a shoulder in the build up, and was replaced by Glen Carson. 

Lions now enjoyed a good spell of possession, and their pressure paid off when lovely hands saw Terry Rahui slice through to touch down by the posts.  Terry Rahui also added the conversion to put Lions ahead.  ( 7 – 5 ) 

When Pig Brittin was penalised for “rough play” as half time approached, Ryno Ueckermann’s 40 metres penalty just crept over the bar.  ( 7 – 8 ) 

On the stroke of half time, a raking Lions’ clearance just would not bounce into touch.  Arno de Jager collected on his own 22 and chipped over the advancing tacklers to regather and send the supporting Ian Voortman under the posts.  Ryno Ueckermann added the simple conversion as the referee blew for half time. 

Half time 

Lions    7          Sedgley Park     15

Lions certainly gave as good as they got in the first half, but a devastating second half opening by Park saw them touch down 3 times in the opening 10 minutes. 

The problems started when a long kick by Lions was touched down by Park, but the referee ruled that the ball had run dead and awarded Park a scrum deep in Lions’ territory.  A concerted Park attack saw scrum half Dave McCormack loop round to reach over for the first score.  Ryno Ueckermann added the conversion.  ( 7 – 22 ) 

It was all Park possession now, and more pressure paid off when the Lions’ defence was sucked in, and when the ball was moved wide, Ian Voortman sliced through to touch down.  Ryno Ueckermann again added the conversion.  ( 7 – 29 ) 

Park’s lead was stretched as lock Paul Arnold broke powerfully down the right, and his inside pass found Ross Bullough in support to race over.  Ryno Ueckermann tagged on the conversion.  ( 7 – 36 ) 

Lions were now facing a cricket score against a rampant Park, but not one head dropped as Lions clawed their way back into the game.  A powerful Phil Greenbury charge was halted, but Toby Handley was on his shoulder to take the pass from the tackle and reach over for a deserved score.  Terry Rahui added the conversion.  ( 14 – 36 ) 

Lions replaced Pete Roberts with Roman Piotrowski as Park held out against 2 close in Lions’ lineouts.  Lions survived a scare when Arno de Jager brushed off several would be tacklers in a strong touchline run, and they seemed to have weathered the storm as they secured a lineout 10 metres from their own line.  Unfortunately a misdirected tap back fell into the eager arms of Tim Fourie, who claimed a simple touchdown.  Ryno Ueckermann added the conversion.  ( 14 – 43 ) 

Back came Lions, and when the initial drive was held on the Park 22, an outrageous dummy from Toby Handley saw him stride over by the posts.  Terry Rahui’s conversion was straight and true.  ( 21 – 43 ) 

Another lovely Lions’ try followed as a quick tap penalty released Roman Piotrowski, and his strong run set up the position for good hands to see Phil Reed race under the posts.  Terry Rahui added the simple conversion.  ( 28 – 43 ) 

Lions replaced Phil Greenbury with James Tyers, as Park also rang the changes.  More good hands saw Pig Brittin put Phil Reed away again, but the wing’s inside pass was eagerly snapped up by the Park cover. 

Lions were now dominating, and a lovely pass saw Allan Mitchell hit the line at pace.  His chip over the last line of defence was judged to perfection, but he was blatantly obstructed as he went regather and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try.  Terry Rahui again added the conversion.  ( 35 – 43 ) 

Lions were getting too close for comfort, and their were some anxious faces in the Park ranks.  However, on the stroke of full time, Lions tried to run the ball clear from a Park kick, but the ball was lost and Arno de Jager crossed for a simple try.  Ryno Ueckermann’s conversion and the referee’s final whistle heralded Park’s celebrations as Division 2 Champions. 

Final result: 

Lions    35         Sedgley Park     50

Don's musings 

Again Lions showed glimpses of what might have been.  It has certainly been an “if only” season.  If only:

-          Tim O’Shea’s try had not been disallowed at Moseley

-          Rosslyn Park had not scored an interception try on the stroke of full time to steal the game

-          A silly penalty had not been given against Bracknell to allow them to sneak victory

-          Lions had not let a strong lead slip against Stourbridge

Another 8 points would have seen Lions sitting (almost) comfortably above the relegation zone.  Instead, we find ourselves going down…….again. 

There are some crumbs of comfort.  Brett Taylor’s coaching is certainly starting to pay dividends, and augers well for next season.  He is committed to Lions and already has plans in place……….unheard of at Lions over the last few seasons!!  Let’s just hope that the Directors can put together a squad that Brett can work with over the close season, so that we can hit Divison 3 North running and make a concerted effort to bounce straight back to Division 2 at the first attempt.  

We’re certainly hearing a lot of positive words from the Directors……let’s see them now turning those words into positive actions